THE CONGRESS: Last Chance

As "a plain matter of national
self-interest," President Truman this week demanded U.S. participation
in construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway and power project. Truman
said in a message to Congress that an entirely new situation had been
created by Canada's decision to build the seaway alone if the U.S. did
not participate (see HEMISPHERE) .

Talking directly to the seaway's opponents, "certain railroads and port
interests," Truman warned that Canada would charge-tolls of U.S.
ships, perhaps even after the cost of the seaway had been paid off. He
argued that an inland (i.e., submarine-proof) route to bring iron ore
from...